Most of us are tied to tradition and hold dearly to established beliefs. Our beliefs influence our thinking and color our personal beliefs.

     

Many of our beliefs are founded in early childhood training and are carried to adulthood. These beliefs are taught by parents, priests, pastors, teachers and peers.

     

For many, the idea of gays marrying, challenges the traditional belief system. And since most churches hold firmly to a religious belief system steeped in bias against the gay life style it would be difficult for parishioners to endorse and embrace such an idea.

     

Therefore it would be difficult to obtain an objective decision regarding gay and lesbian marriage from the church.

     

Perhaps this is why our founding fathers that sought religious and civil freedom in America, drafted our Constitution and Bill of Rights separating church and state.

     

Religious beliefs should not and cannot be the final determination of civil law.

     

Lawmakers in the form of interpreters of civil law are called judges. The judges of the California Supreme Court are sworn to uphold the State constitution and interpret the law without bias.

     

After years of review and hearing all the arguments for and against the rights of gays and lesbians, the Court ruled these individuals are free to live their lives as equal citizens.

     

It is remarkable that such a long overdue decision has finally been made. And while it was reported to be a difficult decision for all of the judges, under civil law it was the only one that could rightfully be made.

     

There will be the ongoing controversy by those whose arguments are prejudiced by their beliefs.

     

Historically in America we have had similar controversies when slaves became “equal” citizens, women were allowed to vote, and whiskey was made legal again.

     

We can look back from the 21^st century and wonder how our relatives could have been so archaic in their thinking.

     

Some of that thinking we now find abominable. Yet, that was the consensus of the time. Nearly half of our Country embraced the belief that slavery was right and women shouldn’t vote.

In today’s world we still hold onto our beliefs, contemporary or traditional, and rationally exhibit tolerance toward diversity in religion, politics and cultures that thrive within our society.

 

You may not choose to be a participant in a particular religious group, political party or lifestyle. That is the freedom all are permitted under our Constitution.

 

Every individual in America is guaranteed the right to choose what they wish, participate and practice their faith, live out their beliefs and behave within reason under the law.

 

It may be that your ideas in practice do not align with another citizen. Your ideas or beliefs do not make you wrong or right because that is your choice.

 

Another person practicing another faith, lifestyle or idea is also their choice and they deserve to enjoy the same self-determination as you.